Scotland Grows Show S9 E6: Small Space, Big Potential with Andy Peasgood

M.T. O'Donnell is joined by gardener and Scotland Grows writer Andy Peasgood to discuss the journey of transforming a typical new-build garden into a thriving green space. Andy shares his experience of creating a garden from scratch, tackling compacted clay soil, drainage challenges, and maximising every inch of his 8x6 metre plot.

Key Topics Covered:

• Starting from Scratch: Andy recalls the early days of moving into his new-build home and the realities of dealing with a barren, waterlogged plot.

• Designing for Small Spaces: How thoughtful planning, curving paths, most of vertical space, and filling borders can make even the smallest garden feel spacious, dynamic, and inviting.

• Low Maintenance, High Reward: Andy’s practical tips for keeping gardening manageable, to plant choices that don’t require constant attention.

• Wildlife-Friendly Projects: Inspiring ideas for habitats in any garden, like bug hotels, wildlife walls, gabion benches, and wildlife ponds.

• The Importance of Soil and Drainage: Why good soil and proper drainage are fundamental (and often overlooked) in new-build gardens.

• Lobbying for Better Garden Standards: Andy’s thoughts on what should be standard for gardens in new home developments, and the potential for policy improvements.

• Creativity in the Garden: How Andy’s background as a ballet dancer inspired his approach to garden design, using the garden as a stage for creativity.

And of course, Andy's top plant picks to make your own small space a flourishing haven!

Connect with Andy:

• Follow Andy on Instagram

• Read his articles on the Scotland Grows Magazine website

--------------------------------------------

Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.

Scotland Grows Magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.

You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!

And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.

--------------------------------------------

This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a brilliant subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.

For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.

Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.